What was the purpose of the central tunnel project?

What was the purpose of the central tunnel project?

The Central Artery/Tunnel Project was the largest, most challenging highway project in the history of the United States. It reduced traffic and improved mobility in one of America’s oldest, most congested major cities. It built a framework for continued growth in Massachusetts and New England.

Why was the Big Dig created?

This project was developed in response to traffic congestion on Boston’s historically tangled streets which were laid out centuries before the advent of the automobile. Traffic jams of 16 hours were predicted for 2010.

What is the cost of the Central Artery/Tunnel project?

The Central Artery / Tunnel Project (CA/T), undertaken by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, commenced in 1991. The cost of the project when completed in December 2007 was estimated at $14.8bn.

What makes the Boston Central Artery/Tunnel project so special?

The Boston Central Artery/Tunnel project represented public works on a scale comparable to some of the great projects of the previous century―the Panama Canal and the Channel Tunnel. It received dozens of awards for engineering excellence and aesthetics.

When did the Central Artery Tunnel open?

The northbound Central Artery tunnel started to carry traffic in March 2003, while the southbound lanes were opened in December 2003, allowing for the completion of the largest of the Charles River bridges. Eight lanes were open (four northbound and four southbound) at the end of 2003, with the final two lanes opened in early 2005.

What is the Boston Central Artery bridge?

The bridge picks up Interstate 93 traffic as it emerges from the new Central Artery tunnel and carries it across the Charles River to point north. Completing the project in the middle of Boston without crippling the city was an incredible challenge. Boston had a world-class traffic problem.